Metadata

Tiivistelmä

The main objective of this thesis is to identify and stress the value of sustainable waste management in Lagos State Nigeria with “an approach from household to the refuse managers”. In contrast with what is obtainable in Finland (Lassila & tikanoja). This thesis enlightens on the immediate and future effects of proper waste disposal, recycling and sorting. A well organized sorting system helps to save numerous natural resources and abates possible problems that might be caused by implementing landfills.

This thesis attempts to answer questions on how value can be created from proper waste management, and it also emphasizes the importance of mass sensitization and awareness of households of the hazards of unmanaged waste refuse and ultimately what the benefits of proper waste sorting are. It is most times believed that the ultimate aim of waste management is waste minimization, however proper processing and recycling of waste play crucial roles in dealing with waste in a way that it becomes more environmentally and economically friendly.

The theoretical framework of this thesis is solely based on literatures and previous research papers on topics relating to waste management. The theory section will introduce solid waste management in relation to household activities through proper handling by the refuse collectors. It enumerates the types of wastes generated in households, the sorting processes, advantages and disadvantages of waste to the environment and as a better alternative means of energy generation.

The results of sustainable solid waste management of a Finnish household opposed to non sus-tainable solid waste management in Lagos State of Nigeria show a significant impact on the environment. Improper solid waste management has a tendency of producing green house gases (GHGS) which has an enormous contribution to the current experiences in climate change. A properly managed waste system prevents or at most minimizes environmental and health impacts. Therefore, it is recommended for every household and refuse collectors to sort and dispose waste accordingly so as to make the world a better place.